L-Glutamine Amino Acid | Performance Enhancement

What is L-Glutamine?

Glutamine is a naturally-occurring amino acid. It is considered as conditionally essential – the body can normally synthesize it in sufficient quantities for its needs but may need supplementation or ingestion from dietary sources in the cases of deficiency, illness, or for specific purposes. It is mostly made in the muscles (around 90%) in the body. It is consumed for several purposes, including protein synthesis (like most amino acids). It is particularly used in the intestines, kidneys, and immune cells, and has many other uses in the body as well, which we will highlight in more detail in the Uses and Benefits section below.

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What are the Dietary Sources of Glutamine?

In addition to natural synthesis in the body (from glutamine synthetase and ammonia), it can be found in a large number of foods that are typical to the human diet throughout the world. Like many amino acids, protein-rich foods are the most abundant sources of glutamine. Examples of sources of glutamine include:

What are the Uses or Benefits of Glutamine Supplements?

Some of the main roles of glutamine in the body include protein synthesis, regulation of the pH (acid-base balance) in the kidneys, energy in the cells (particularly the muscles), a source of nitrogen for anabolic processes (also important in the muscles), transportation of ammonia, and as a precursor to the neurotransmitter glutamate. In supplement form, it is most often used for exercise performance enhancement and energy level regulation. It is also used for more medical-type purposes, as a means of dealing with side effects from chemotherapy, nerve pain, protecting the digestive system and immune system, and fighting infections and wound healing, among other uses. It is also thought to play a role in helping with mood and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, though the results of studies in these areas are less conclusive than its other roles in the body. This can be an effective ally with a low calorie diet like the HCG Drops Diet.
Principally, glutamine helps with muscle mass and energy, by working to combat muscle wasting. When more glutamine is consumed, such as during exercise or periods of illness, than the body consumes or synthesizes, muscles can be consumed for energy. It helps to ensure that fat cells are more desirable for energy production and protects muscles from being wasted or consumed. Through its nitrogen donation, it helps with wound healing and immune function as well. L-Glutamine is a ket ingredient in Access HCG Drops.

What is the Typical Dosage of Glutamine Supplements?

Depending on the intend use or desired effects, the dosage can vary widely. For the most common purposes, supplementation for fitness, energy, and muscle mass protection/growth, it is typically supplied as a tablet or capsule, in 500 mg to 1500 mg doses. As with most supplements and medications, patients are advised to follow label instructions and those of their doctor or healthcare provider. That said, it is difficult to overdose with glutamine, and in some extreme cases (such as for chemotherapy offsets), much higher doses may be used.

What are the Side Effects?

As a naturally-occurring amino acid, it generally does not have negative side effects when taken in the common dosages as a supplement. Side effects are rare and generally mild. These include nausea, stomach pain, gas, swelling in the hands or feet, muscle or joint pain, headache, dizziness, or fatigue, mild rash or itching, dry mouth, runny nose, or increased levels of sweating. If vomiting occurs, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
The most common interactions or contraindications are in those with the severe liver disease, cirrhosis, mania, or seizures. If you have a known sensitivity to the seasoning MSG, you should not use it (as glutamate, the “G” in MSG, is one of the byproducts of glutamine metabolism in the body).
As with any supplement, patients should consult with their doctor or healthcare provider, reviewing all their current medications, supplements, and health conditions, prior to beginning a supplement regimen.
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